Creative Arts Therapies Department

Flutie Foundation

Flutie Foundation opens Financial Support Grants for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. The grant cycle runs from February 12 to March 11, 2018.
Joey's Fund Family Grant Program accepts grant applications from families that are in need of financial assistance for their family member(s) with autism. Families can apply for up to $2,000 through the program (up to $3,000 if grant would benefit more than one family member with autism). You may apply for one service or item that directly improves the life of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SSC Creative Arts Therapies offers a number of programs that would fall under grant uses, including,
Music Therapy; Recreational Programs, including Dance, Dance Therapy, and Yoga; Social Skills training, including Accessible Yoga; Therapies.

Music Therapy Department - Core Philosophy

Music is the great equalizer. It is available to every person, no matter the ability or age. It is a creative tool that can be manipulated to meet the needs of every individual. Music is engaging and motivating and encourages socialization, communication, and self-expression. In music therapy at SSC, it is not a matter of “can it be done?” it is simply a matter of “how will it be done?”

Music therapy is an established health profession that uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and communication needs of individuals of all ages. The inherent structure of music provides a safe and inviting environment in which individuals may explore, participate, or simply relax. Music therapy interventions can be designed to improve communication, manage stress and reduce pain, express ideas and feelings, promote physical rehabilitation, enhance memory, and promote wellness. For additional information contact Eve Montague at 781-934-2731, ext 20.

Individual Music Therapy Sessions

A board certified music therapist assesses each individual prior to the start of sessions, to determine best treatment and goals. Sessions are individualized to meet the needs of the student, with typical individual therapy scheduled for 30 minutes.

30 minutes: $53
45 minutes: $79
60 minutes: $105

SSC Memory Café

A social gathering for individuals with memory loss and their care partners

Join us for a social gathering where people with memory loss and their care partners come together in a safe and supportive environment to participate in activities designed for cognitive awareness, explore educational topics, join in creative arts, including music, dance, and art, and share refreshment and conversation with others. Participants choose their own level of interaction and participation.

SSC Memory Cafés are accessible and are offered the third Thursday of every month.Thursday February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16

The Middleton Family generously funds SSC Memory Cafés. There is no cost to participants.

Group Music Therapy Sessions

It is important to note that groups can be developed throughout the year based on interest and need. Groups may include chorus, handbell choir, adapted band, adolescent group, leisure and relaxation group, access/technology group, and memory group. Bereavement and grief can also be addressed in music therapy. Please contact Music Therapy Department Chair Eve Montague at 781-934-2731, ext 20, or at e.montague@sscmusic.org to discuss interest and ideas.

Class Offerings

The Conservatory’s Creative Arts Therapies Department provides individual therapy sessions, small group therapy sessions and creative ensembles, and modified/adapted lessons in voice, piano, percussion, guitar, and other instruments. The music therapy department serves children through adults with special needs, including, but not limited to, those on the autism spectrum, those with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, physical challenges, and those with Alzheimer's. Goals can be established to work within the interdisciplinary framework of IEPs and ISPs. A board certified music therapist, prior to the start of sessions to determine best treatment and goals, assesses each individual.

Movin’ and Groovin’Ages 8-12
Led by a board certified music therapist, children ages 8-12 with sensory or physical needs explore sound and movement through music experiences, focusing on brain and body regulation. Instrument-play, singing and creative movement provide building blocks for self-expression and social interaction in this small group.

Percussion Commotion
Adults and Young Adults Young adults/adults with ASD and DD explore percussion instruments (drums, mallets, boom whackers, shakers) playing composed and improvised music. Percussion faculty and board certified music therapists lead this ensemble to develop and strengthen listening, communication, motor, and social skills, with ample performance opportunity.
Co-lead by percussion and music therapy faculty
3, 10 week sessions
$300

First Session: September 25
Second Session: January 8
Third Session: April 2

SSC Community Voices and SSC Community Voices Too!
An inclusive chorus designed for singers of all abilities, age16 and up. Groups meet Wednesday evenings at both our Duxbury and Hingham campuses. Repertoire includes master works, folk and traditional, seasonal, and popular tunes. These groups perform 2-8 times per year.

This class offers a fun and creative outlet for children with special needs!We will teach basic elements of dance including rhythm, body awareness, coordination and flexibility in a safe and accepting environment. Students will also practice social skills by working together to create a final dance piece to share with families at the last class. Please dress in clothing suitable for movement and bring clean sneakers.

This class offers a fun and creative outlet for teens with special needs!Students will practice basic elements of dance including rhythm, body awareness, coordination and flexibility in a safe and accepting environment. Students will also improve social skills by working together to create a final dance piece to share with families at the last class. Students are required to dress in clothing suitable for movement and bring clean sneakers.

$195 per 10 week program, $555 for all three sessions

Duxbury Tuesday 6:15-7:00 pm Session dates: 9/12, 11/28, 3/6

Hingham, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15 pm Session dates: 9/13, 11/29, 3/7

In the NEWS: Chorus gives opportunity to adults with developmental delays

By Mary Whitfill, Patriot Ledger
DUXBURY – For those with developmental delays, finding artistic outlets can be a challenge many are not equipped to face. After noticing the lack of programs available for special needs adults, certified therapist Eve Montague set out to create a place where this group could find their musical niche.

"In Massachusetts, after age 22 you loose all of your entitlement to services," Montague explained. "One of my big initiatives was to provide some kind of arts opportunity to people who had never had the opportunity as adults before. We really felt there was a population here who would jump at the chance and they did." Read more...

Music Therapy and Wellness

Through creative partnerships with social service agencies, SSC is able to support the mental, emotional, and physical health of some of our community's more fragile members. Providing music opportunities tailored to specific need, SSC partnerships offer avenues for self-expression, provide inspiration and hope, focus on wellness and healing, and build important life skills and community. Programs include:

Music Appreciation and Enrichment

Music Therapy services from Early Intervention through Hospice and Bereavement Support

Community and Therapeutic Drum Circles

Specialized ensemble participation and performance including SSC Community Voices and Woman Song

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Art therapy addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and communication needs of individuals of all ages. The therapeutic setting creates a safe and inviting environment in which individuals may explore, participate, or simply relax. Interventions can be designed to improve and deepen communication, promote mastery and mindfulness, manage stress and reduce pain, express ideas and feelings, promote physical rehabilitation, enhance memory, promote wellness and increase self-awareness. Being "good at art" is not necessary to benefit from art therapy, as art-making takes place from within.
To learn more about art therapy, visit the American Art Therapy Association website at www.arttherapy.org.
For additional information contact Eve Montague at 781-934-2731, ext 20.

Accessible Yoga

Here at South Shore Conservatory we are proud to offer four unique disciplines of yoga, each one unique and supportive to the personal development and growth of the South Shore community. For special members of our community we offer Yoga for the Special Child®, Accessible Yoga is designed for individuals who desire personalized training in yoga for health and wellness, Yoga for Performers focuses on the unique demands of performing artists, and Yoga 4 Classrooms brings yoga directly to the classroom.

Yoga is an established system for development of each aspect of the individual. Yoga at South Shore Conservatory is available to everyone, regardless of age or ability. The word yoga means to yoke or unite; bringing body, mind and breath together through disciplined practice. Yoga has been used for thousands of years to develop concentration, improve body awareness, enhance health, develop emotional stability, create community, and provide a greater sense of overall well being.

For more information or to set up a trial lesson, contact Gita Brown at 781-934-2731 ext.20 or g.brown@sscmusic.org